Pakistan, a nation of 180 million people, has never been an easy place to govern, particularly for its politicians. With the exception of the charismatic Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who founded the Pakistan Peoples Party, no other democratically elected government has ever served five years in office. The army has never been a credible alternative to rule the country. Now, as the Asif Ali Zardari-led government finds itself boxed into a corner by Pakistan's Supreme Court and the army and Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League struggles to provide an alternative, there is space for a third political formation. Imran Khan led Pakistan to cricket glory in 1992 when he lifted the World Cup. His long stint in politics may finally bear fruit as his Tehreek-e-Insaf party makes its first serious bid for office in the general elections to be held in early 2013. For Captain Pakistan, this is the ultimate test. Can he lead his fractured nation like he led its fractious cricket team? Will Pakistan elect him as its next leader? If the impressive turnout at his rallies is any indication, he will be the man who will guide his country's future.